2024 Paralympics: Indonesia Receives first Medal from Para-athletics
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31 August 2024 20:12 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Para-athletic athlete Saptoyogo Purnomo gave Indonesia its first medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympics after winning silver in the men's T37 100-meter event on Saturday, August 31, West Indonesia Time.
According to a statement from the Indonesian Paralympic Committee (NPC) in Jakarta, the original target was for the Indonesian para-sprinter to bring home a bronze medal, repeating the feat he achieved at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.
In the qualifying round, Saptoyogo finished third with a time of 11.35 seconds, behind two Brazilian para-sprinters, Edson Cavalcante Pinheiro and Ricardo Gomes de Mendonca, who clocked faster times of 11.33 and 11.07 seconds respectively.
The podium finish in the qualifying round was enough for Saptoyogo to advance to the final, where he finished second with an improved time of 11.26 seconds.
In addition to winning the silver medal, Saptoyogo also broke the Asian record of 11.28 seconds, which he set at the 2022 Asian Para Games. He won gold at that continental event.
"I felt down when I learned that I would be competing against new competitors whose time records I did not know. However, I steeled my resolve to do my best to earn this medal," the silver medalist said.
Saptoyogo also admitted that he was concerned that the rain pouring down on the Stade de France, the venue for the event, would make the air colder and ultimately affect his muscular performance.
"I did not expect to break the record with the rain. Such a condition could prevent the muscles in the arms or legs from working optimally. So I was [focus] aiming for a medal," he said.
Purwo Adi Sanyoto, the para-athletics coach for the Indonesian contingent, spoke highly of Saptoyogo, praising his determination, discipline, and mental resilience.
"Saptoyogo had a better reaction and start than his competitors. That is why he managed to maintain his speed to the finish line," he said.
The Para sprinter will continue his quest for Paralympic medals in the upcoming men's T37 200m.
Antara
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